ATAR results 2023: Wake-up call for school leavers as income gap between low and high achievers comes to light
Students who achieve a high ATAR score will earn up to $33,000 more than their peers by the time they reach their 30s, new research has found.
The findings, revealed in the week that Year 12 students receive their ATAR scores, indicate a strong correlation between the level of ATAR achieved and income level at age 30.
“Individuals with a higher ATAR are more likely to have a higher income,” says Silvia Griselda of the e61 Institute, one of the authors of a new study.
At age 30, individuals with an ATAR under 70 have an average annual income of approximately $70,000 in 2022 dollars.
Those with an ATAR between 70 and 80 earn just over $75,000.
A score in the range of 80-90 correlates with an average salary just above $80,000.
For ATARs between 90 and 95, the average salary rises to almost $90,000, while scores in the 95-98 range lead to a median salary of almost $95,000. ATARs above 98 are linked to an average salary of almost $105,000.
By comparison, 30-year-old workers without a degree earn an average salary of just under $60,000 per year.
Those who chose not to go to college and go straight to work experience an initial increase in income. However, these benefits diminish at age 25.
Students who achieve a high ATAR score will earn up to $33,000 more than their peers by the time they reach their 30s, new research shows (Pictured: Teens celebrating Schoolies)
Analysis by the e61 Institute has found that those who achieved an ATAR score above 98 will earn an average salary of $33,000 more at age 30 than those with a score below 70
The research also found that adult students who went to university without an ATAR earned less than students who went to university after high school with an ATAR.
Another reason why people with high ATARS are expected to earn more is because they work longer hours, the research suggested.
They may also have acquired connections and networks through parents and schools.
It came as 67,234 former Year 12 students received their HSC grades via text at 6am on Thursday morning, with ATAR results due to follow at 9am.
The best band results, those who received a band six or E4, will be announced around noon.
Applications for Year 12 through the University Admissions Center are currently at their lowest level in a decade as fewer school leavers complete a degree.